We stand with the Czechs

We have endured a terrible week. It started with IDF and ended the same way. But the worst came the morning of 8 July 2014. Around 0530 that morning we had an IDF strike that interrupted physical training for a lot of people on the base. Fortunately, nobody was injured and nothing was damaged. But this ominous event would lead to something much more devastating. We have an outstanding contingent of Soldiers from the Czech Republic who assist in patrolling the Bagram Security Zone, which is the area of Parwan Province surrounding the base. After the IDF strike, a Czech patrol was dispatched to inspect the point of origin that was plotted for the rockets. Once they arrived on the scene they formed a security perimeter with their MRAPs and then sent forward a dismounted patrol to inspect the launch site. The Afghan police also arrived on the scene to assist. Meanwhile, a crowd began to gather around the Czech MRAPs. These were mostly young boys who like kids anywhere else in the world were simply fascinated by the military vehicles and burly Czech Soldiers. That’s when tragedy struck. As the dismounted patrol returned to the vehicles a man dressed in Afghan uniform stepped into the middle of the gathered crowd and detonated the suicide vest he was wearing. The explosion killed four of the brave Czech heroes. Also among the dead were eight little boys and several other locals. It was the largest single loss of life suffered by our Czech partners in their entire involvement in this conflict.

Back at Bagram I was holding a welcome briefing for my replacement, who had just arrived the previous day. Announcements on the “big voice” started requesting volunteers of various blood types to immediately report to the hospital. We knew immediately something bad had happened. Several of my Garrison staff asked permission to go to the hospital when they heard their blood type announced. I let them proceed without delay. The reports of what had taken place began to trickle in and it became grimmer by the moment. Soon it was apparent that the worst loss of life incident since I have been here had happened. The mood on the base quickly became somber.

The following night there was a memorial ceremony in the Enduring Faith Chapel. I pray it will be the last one I ever attend. It was the saddest one I have ever been to. The entire ceremony was in Czech but it made no difference to the American personnel who were there to pay their respects. Though we may be a language apart we are comrades in this fight. The Czech Soldiers who made comments were deeply shaken by this tragedy. Their voices quivered as they spoke. The tears came freely. Make no mistake about it, these are tough fighters and highly professional Soldiers. We understood their emotions and the love they shared for their fallen heroes. Only those who serve truly understand how close the bonds we form really are. When we lose someone it can be more emotional than even the loss of a blood relative. As the memorial concluded my CSM and I followed the procession of command teams who moved forward to show their respect. We stood at attention looking into the eyes of the four men’s photos looking back at us. We slowly saluted. Then we kneeled forward and left a command coin for each of them. Our hope is that their families will look to the coins we left and know with great pride the appreciation so many have for the sacrifice of their sons. I know from spending the evening with their comrades that they were deeply loved and will be sorely missed. As General George Patton said about the death of one of his Officers during the Battle of El Guettar, “I cannot understand why such brave men have to die. There are so many battles yet to fight.”

The following morning we gathered on the tarmac to see the four heroes begin their journey home. A Czech Air Force plane stood ready to take them onboard. Slowly the procession carried the four heroes to the aircraft. Each of their caskets was proudly adorned with the Czech standard. They have now gone home to their country and their families. I know the grief of their families and nation must be overwhelming and I pray for the healing to come in mending their hearts and leaving the happy memories upon which their love may endure. The Soldiers of their unit have now gone back to their business. They know that the success of their mission will be the proudest legacy they can leave in honor of the brave four who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the morning of 8 July 2014. May God richly bless all of them and may He place His loving arms around them and the families of the brave fallen heroes.